Puppy/kennel bedding - Page 1

Where does everyone get the pine shavings for their kennels? Is it pine that you use?

I see a lot of pople using this now and thought I would give it a try with my upcoming litter.

Thanks in advance,

Amy

Tractor Supply in our area sells them  or, you can go to a lumber yard and get the fresh cut ones.  My hubby works at one so, we get all the shavings we need (free).

I've noticed it tends to make the eyes on my pups a little redder.  Still trying to figure out something else to use.

Softwood shavings have a lot of harsh chemicals in them (e.g., turpentine) and could cause red eyes or irritation. If getting shavings from a lumber mill, make sure you know just what kind of wood they are planing, Some woods such as walnut are out and out poisonous!

If I had a litter, I think I'd go with plain ol' shredded newspaper. You can probably get it for free from your neighbours, or pick up a few bundles from the curbside the night before the recycling pickup!

I've tried 2 diff. kinds from TSC same results.  Wonder if DH can bring home shredded paper?  Already use printing rolls for whelping box.

We use newspapers from people we know don't have dogs.  A few layers makes for fine absorbtion and easy clean-up.  We have rubber mats underneath as the base floor.  The puppies shred it quick enough themselves.

I always use newspaper..although not shredded. We still get the poop all over as they run through it. This is what I am trying to avoid and have heard rave reviews on the shavings.

Anyone have any other ideas? I have the rubber floor mats...which I HATE!!!! I will not use them again. EVERYTHING sticks underneath. I guess I am trying to hvae a spotless kennel. I would love to hear all you guys use/do.

I used shavings bagged for horses. After having some one I know throw a fit about the pine shavings sticking to the pups, I switched to ceder.

I found what works best is newspaper or towels for the first 2 weeks. Once pups can pick up heads, see and start walking, switch to shavings for poop reasons. Some people worry about suffocation when pups are newborn.

I's also like to here what others do. New ideas are always good to keep in mind.

Instead of newspapers, I would go out to lowes/home depot and buy a roll of Rosin paper.  They are 4' wide and easier to change than papers.  Rosin paper is a thick paper that is usually pinkish in color.  I think there is 100' on a roll.  Price $7-$10. 

Oh yea. My grandmother has rolls of paper from the newspaper place here. No print, so ink is no worry and it's clean off the roll. I forgot about that. I liked using my old towels or sheets I used for painting. The first couple weeks, mom does so good a job they lasted for days. Birthing was the only really nasty part. I would throw away that blanket and wash the next set about weekly. Moms don't usually care what you use but don't like having the pups uprooted to change things out often.